N.C. State to dismiss Gottfried, but he'll coach rest of season

Mark Gottfried won't return as North Carolina State men’s basketball coach following the conclusion of the season, athletics director Debbie Yow announced Thursday.

A string of lopsided losses and a second consecutive dismal performance in Atlantic Coast Conference play appear to be the main reasons that Gottfried's sixth season will be his final one with the Wolfpack.

“Mark and I met (Thursday) to discuss the future direction of our program,” Yow said in a statement. “While it has long been my practice to evaluate the body of work at season’s end, in reviewing the overall direction of our program, we believe a change in leadership is necessary moving forward. Our focus now remains on supporting our student-athletes and staff over the final weeks of our season.”

N.C. State is 122-82 under Gottfried. That includes a 47-55 record in ACC play.

Gottfried, 53, had three years remaining on his contract after this season.

The Wolfpack is 14-13 overall, 3-11 in the ACC this season with six consecutive losses. It sits 14th out of 15 teams in the league standings with four regular-season games remaining (home vs. Notre Dame, at Georgia Tech, home vs. Virginia, at Clemson).

"I think he has had his chance," said Deleno Flynn, a Wolfpack Club member from Gibsonville. "He has had a lot of talent, but you've got to control them. ... This has been a conversation among Wolfpack fans. We'd like to see the team improve. I'm disappointed in the performance, but not (just) because of this last game.

"He has had lots of talent. Maybe his style of coaching just hasn't worked out."

The Wolfpack suffered a 51-point loss last month at North Carolina, then fell 97-73 to the Tar Heels on Wednesday night at PNC Arena.

Gottfried guided N.C. State to the NCAA Tournament in his first four seasons. Twice, the Wolfpack advanced to the Sweet 16.

“It has been a privilege to serve as head coach of NC State, and I’m proud of what we have accomplished during my time here,” Gottfried said in a statement. “N.C. State is a special place and I appreciate the opportunity to finish the remainder of the season.”